[Fsf-friends] More Microsoft in the classroom?

[Frederick Noronha [फ़रेदरिक नोरोनया]]

Microsoft India Plans New Educational Prospects

By ChannelTimes Staff
Mumbai, Jun 4, 2008
Microsoft India has announced an investment renewal of US $20 million
in the education space over the next five years. The company has also
renewed its commitment to the India chapter of 'Partners in Learning'
- its global educational program, which allows students, teachers, and
institutions to reach their full potential. Microsoft's stated mission
for education is to empower people to realize their social and
economic potential by enabling access to quality education experiences
for all through technology.

In the next phase of 'Partners in Learning' in India, Microsoft will
aim to address national education priorities by partnering with
governments and introducing a focus on three core programs: Innovative
Teachers, Innovative Students, and Innovative Schools.
Announcing the program expansion, Jean-Philippe Courtois, president,
Microsoft, said, "We believe that investing in education is the most
effective way to help young people achieve their potential. India,
with its wealth of human capital, can achieve a great deal - not just
for itself, but for the world at large - if the intelligence and
potential of its youth is harnessed. Through Partners in Learning, we
aim to encourage the use of technology in the classroom to make
learning exciting and relevant for the 21st century."

'Partners in Learning' is vital education initiative under Microsoft's
Unlimited Potential, the company's global effort to creating sustained
social and economic opportunity for everyone. The other efforts that
look at transforming education in India include investments in
institutions, teachers, and students.

As a direct investment to improve the employability quotient of
students, Microsoft India has also trained faculty members to teach
advanced industry technologies - indirectly reaching more than 80 per
cent of all engineering students. The company has also created a
platform for faculty to share and adopt best practices from professors
around the globe.

http://www.channeltimes.com/India/News/Microsoft_India_Plans_New_Educational_Prospects/551-89931-741.html

--
Frederick FN Noronha * Independent Journalist
http://fn.goa-india.org * Phone +91-832-2409490
Cell +91-9970157402 (sometimes out of range)
http://www.youtube.com/user/fredericknoronha